When to Plant Columbine in Elgin, Illinois (60121)

Location

Elgin, Illinois

ZIP Code

60121

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Saturday, April 25, 2026

📅 Planting Calendar

Start Seeds Indoors Saturday, February 28, 2026

Transplant Outdoors Saturday, May 9, 2026

Pro Tip: Start Columbine seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Aquilegia vulgaris

Days to Maturity 365 days

Mature Height 18-36"

Spread 18"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Partial Shade to Full Sun

💧

Water

Moderate (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

12" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.125" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 21-30 days

Ready to Plant Columbine in Elgin?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, February 28, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

FernHostasSpring Bulbs

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Growing Columbine in Zone 5b

Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris) is a popular garden vegetable. In Elgin, Illinois, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should start seeds indoors around Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Plan to transplant your Columbine seedlings outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.